IPL 2019: 3 RCB top-order batsmen and their highest scores against CSK

IPL 2019 is only a few days away. The first match of the tournament is going to be a battle between the South Indian rivals Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore.

These two teams have never disappointed their fans. They always put quite a show with passion and enthusiasm. So many great IPL moments have come out from the encounters between these two teams.

There are some players to watch out for during Bangalore's clash with Chennai. The Bangalore squad is fresh with new talents bought at the auction. However, they also possess their key players around whom the new recruits and youngsters will play.

For the past few seasons, batting has been the biggest strength of Royal Challengers Bangalore. Their home ground is a very small one and thus it favours hard hitting batsmen.

With that being said, let us take a look at three top order batsmen of Royal Challengers Bangalore and their highest scores against Chennai Super Kings.

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#3 Parthiv Patel

Parthiv Patel

Parthiv Patel was once a part of the Chennai Super Kings. He played for the yellow army from 2008 to 2010. Patel has represented the RCB franchise in 2014 and 2018 respectively. Additionally, he had played for Kochi Tuskers Kerala, Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians.

The veteran wicketkeeper was roped in by the Bangalore based franchise for a sum of ₹1.7 crores at the 2018 auctions after his successful stint with Mumbai Indians. During the season, the RCB team also had the South African wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock in their ranks so the Indian wicketkeeper was given limited chances in the playing XI.

The southpaw scored 153 runs in 6 matches he played for RCB during IPL 2018. His best performance of the season was against Chennai Super Kings. On May 5, 2018, Patel notched up 53 runs from 41 balls as an opening batsman. The half-century also stands to be his highest score against Chennai Super Kings.

The team management's faith in retaining him for the 2019 season might possibly be a motivating factor for Patel to repeat the same against Chennai Super Kings.

#2 Virat Kohli

Will the Indian captain win IPL trophy ahead of World Cup 2019?

Virat Kohli has been playing for RCB since the inception of IPL. The Indian captain has made a lot of noteworthy records with the franchise. However, despite being one of the best captains and an undisputed IPL batsman, his trophy cabinet is empty.

Thus it is evident that he would be looking to grab his first IPL trophy as a captain. The Indian skipper really needs it now more than ever as he has a World Cup shortly after the IPL. The victory would boost his confidence.

Beating CSK in the series opener is the best way to make a statement. For that, Kohli needs to do his part exceptionally well which is, of course, a top-notch batting. In 22 matches against CSK, he has batted in 21 innings and has scored 732 runs with an average of 40.67 and a strike rate of 125. 77.

Kohli's highest score of 73 against Chennai Super Kings came way back at 2014 when the two sides met at the M. Chinnaswamy stadium. However, his runs didn't fetch a win for his side. This time around, Virat would be eyeing to beat his own high score against CSK in a winning contribution.

#1 AB de Villiers

AB de Villiers

AB de Villiers needs no introduction. He is one of the major attractions of Indian Premier League. The 35-year-old has been with RCB since 2013. With his attacking and innovative style of play, the South African strikes fear in the heart of his opposition bowlers.

He can easily take the game away from his opponents. One of the biggest surprises of IPL is that how a team with such a genius has not ever managed to win an IPL trophy. However, all that could change this year.

de Villiers has scored 443 runs against CSK in 19 innings. The highest score by the champion batsman against Chennai Super Kings is 105* runs off 54 balls with 5 fours and 6 sixes at a strike rate of 194.44

What's interesting about this is the fact that ABD did not score these runs as an RCB batsman. He did it while playing for Delhi Daredevils way back in 2009. Will Ab de Villiers repeat what he did for Delhi back in 2009 for RCB after almost 10 years at IPL 2019?